Where is Swansea?
Are you currently looking at universities and have Swansea on your shortlist? Whether you live in Wales or elsewhere in the UK, you might not have much of an idea about what Swansea is like, and you may have some questions! Where is Swansea? Does everyone speak Welsh? What’s the weather like? What is there to do outside of studying?
Swansea is a thriving university city that’s a great place to live and study, all set against a stunning coastal backdrop. Let’s take a look at why so many students love studying here.
So, where is Swansea exactly?
Swansea is a coastal city in South Wales, situated about 40 miles west of Cardiff. It sits on the border of the Gower Peninsula, the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now called National Landscapes), and overlooks Swansea Bay, which flows into the Bristol Channel.
After the capital, Cardiff, Swansea is Wales’s second-biggest city. It’s home to two universities and around 30,000 students.
It’s pretty easy to get to other cities in the UK from Swansea. You can get a train to London in under three hours, Bristol in 90 minutes, and Cardiff in under an hour. And for beach days or countryside walks, it’s all right on your doorstep.
Do people speak Welsh in Swansea?
Coming from elsewhere in the UK and concerned that you won’t be understood in Wales? Both Welsh and English are the official languages of Wales. However, in Swansea, the majority of people speak English. Official government figures show that just 11.2% of Swansea residents speak Welsh, compared to 17.8% throughout Wales. So, if you’re an English speaker, you’ll get along just fine! That being said, you will see road signs, public notices and place names in both languages. Welsh is taught in schools up until the age of 16, and the local authorities are required to promote the language to ensure its longevity.
What's it like to be a student in Swansea?
If you love the beach, you’ll love Swansea! Swansea University sits just behind Swansea Beach, with its five miles of golden sands that stretch down to Mumbles, a picture-postcard former fishing village complete with a lighthouse, Victorian pier and ice cream parlours. The nightlife in Swansea is pretty legendary too; students and locals alike head to the many bars, clubs and pubs of Wind Street for a great night out. Swansea University is well known for its impressive sports facilities, and beyond the campus and the city, you can head into the neighbouring Gower Peninsula for beach days, coastal walks and surfing.
What's the weather like?
It’s on the coast, so expect a lot of wind and rain during the autumn and winter months and for temperatures to drop sharply – warm clothes and decent waterproofs are a must! Summers are generally pleasant but can get hot. However, like the rest of the UK, you can experience all four seasons in a day, so it should feel pretty familiar in that respect!
An interesting Swansea fact
Despite it being traditionally celebrated in France, Swansea folk are pretty much obsessed with Beaujolais Day. It happens every November to mark the release of Beaujolais Nouveau (a fruity red wine from eastern France). Swansea has adopted the tradition and takes it very seriously indeed. It’s a day to get properly glammed up and hit one of the many events throughout the city to party and, of course, glug plenty of Beaujolais.
How do you find the best student accommodation in Swansea?
Finding the right accommodation can help ease your transition to a new city. Our luxury student rooms are spacious and have everything you need to help you feel at home, from double beds to ensuite bathrooms with rainfall showers, Smart TVs to a desk, chair and pinboard. Outside of your room, you’ll find warm and welcoming social spaces, plus a garden, cinema and gym. And with a dedicated bus service that connects you to the city centre and both universities, your commute is a doddle too.
Like the sound of being a student in Swansea?
If Swansea sounds like the kind of place you’d like to study and you’re looking for modern student accommodation with an easy commute to the universities, check out true student Swansea.
Reserve a room or arrange a viewing today: true student Swansea